Barbican Decision (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

Barbican Decision

June 13, 2005 2:09 PM

Statement from Council Leader Steve Galloway

"I welcome the decision of the Court to reject entirely the case for a judicial review, of the Barbican planning decision. It decision fully vindicates the position of the Council and the controlling Liberal Democrat Group.

It is, however, a matter of deep concern that the process should have taken so long to conclude.

Because of the estimated £10,000 per week increases in building costs, which have taken place over the last 12 months (and which would have a major impact whether we decided to build a new replacement for the Barbican pool or modernise the existing building and other pools in the City) the delay has cost local residents hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of improved leisure facilities.

The changes in the housing market, over the 2 years since Barbican Venture (BV) tabled their bid for the site, could in the end mean that millions of pounds of investment has been jeopardised.

We will have to wait and see whether BV are able to maintain their offer.

It is grotesquely unfair on the local community and developers that delaying tactics, like those that we have seen over the last 12 months, can put in jeopardy a major investment in badly needed new and modernised leisure facilities. Doubly so when the decision was taken after extensive consultation and without the intervention of the ODPM.

I will be calling for a review of legal processes with the aim of ensuring that, should any similar situation arise whether here in York or elsewhere in the country, legal decisions can be taken within weeks rather than months (or years).

I should like to thank the Council staff, and our legal representatives, who have been involved in this process. They have handled the interest of local taxpayers in a responsible and professional way".